Chargers, Game systems,A/V components, etc. require AC adapters, which usually are left plugged into the wall while the device is off. The AC adapters use up electricity just by being plugged into wall.
Why not run a separate wire from the electronics device to the AC adapter so that when the device is shut off, it also disconnects the circuit at the AC adapter? Yes, to turn the AC adapter back on a separate electricity source (such as a tiny battery in the device) would be necessary, but would still cut back on waste.
Disclaimer: this may be baked. I researched it, but wasn't sure what terms to search for.Link below for closest idea I've seen, but mine's shorter-term. My first post in six years, so all suggestions welcome-- imagine002, May 25 2008 Green Plus http://www.greenplug.usDC-friendly AC standard [imagine002, May 25 2008] Green Switch http://www.greenswitch.tv/Switch off everything in the house you dont need [g00r, May 27 2008] A switch-mode supply draws very little current when it's not loaded. Sort-of baked, and no need for a feedback signal from the device.-- 8th of 7, May 25 2008 i always wanted to put a switch on the wall-wart (wall-side of the transformer circuit).-- FlyingToaster, May 27 2008 Alternatively, remove the on/off switch from the device and force the lazy user to turn it off at the wall.-- vincevincevince, May 27 2008 This idea is baked. I could tell you by which company, but then I'd have to be jolly beastly to you.-- AbsintheWithoutLeave, May 27 2008 You wouldn't need a battery in the device. You could use a relay where the coil used mains to latch, and run the power through the switch at the device.
this would change the electrical class of the device and change the electrical codes involved - but no battery.
The green switch link over yonder - am I the only one who wonders how much power all those "green switches" use while they're waiting for their wireless "on" signal?-- ericscottf, May 27 2008 random, halfbakery